FAQs - Music Education - The University of Iowa College of Education

I have a Bachelor degree in music. How do I become certified to teach?
I have a Bachelor degree in music, but without certification. May I obtain a Master of Arts in Music Education?

FAQs for Undergraduate students

How do undergraduates become music education majors at Iowa?

First, undergraduates must apply and successfully audition on their instrument or voice to become a music major in the School of Music.

Second, and before taking required professional education courses, undergraduate students must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). The application for admission should be submitted to the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Student Services. Deadlines for application are March 15 and October 15 for admission to restricted course work in the following semester. The music education faculty reviews applications and chooses a limited number of students for admission.

When do undergraduates officially become music education majors?

In order to be considered for admission, students must have completed a minimum of 33 s.h. of course work at the time of application with a University of Iowa and cumulative g.p.a. of at least 2.70. A limited number of applicants are accepted into each teacher education program, so a 2.70 g.p.a. does not ensure admission. Admission decisions are based on grade-point average in the major and other criteria relevant to teaching success.

If at any time after admission a student's University of Iowa and/or cumulative g.p.a. falls below 2.70, he or she is placed on probation for one semester. Students who do not attain a 2.70 g.p.a. during the probationary semester are dropped from the TEP. Students should consult their College of Education music education adviser (Dr. Coffman) or the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services for more information on admission criteria.

What is the application process for the Teacher Education Program (TEP)?

The application process includes submission of

an application form, available from the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services.
a writing sample
two letters of recommendation
an Iowa criminal history check request form
PRAXIS I test scores in mathematics, reading, and writing. Scores from either the computer-based tests (CBT) or the Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) are accepted.
verification of completion of a 10-hour volunteer experience in a K-12 classroom setting. Application forms are available from the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services.

A limited number of applicants are accepted into each TEP program area, so meeting the Graduate College admission requirements does not ensure admission. Admission decisions are based on grade-point average in the undergraduate major and other criteria relevant to teaching. Upon admission to the TEP, students are assigned an education adviser (Dr. Coffman).

It is possible to pursue a Master of Arts in Music Education and certification at the same time (more information.)

What are the GPA requirements for remaining in the TEP program and admission to the student teaching semester?

Please consult the Teacher Education Program Office of Teacher Education and Student Services for details.

What is the Practicum?

Part of the requirements for 07S:096, Introduction & Practicum is that students spend 10 weeks of the semester observing and assisting a music teacher in a local school. Students are generally assigned to an elementary general music classroom. 50 hours of observation are required. This requirement is in addition to the class sessions on campus.

What are INTASC Standards?

Students entering the Teacher Education Program as of Summer 2002 need to demonstrate teaching competencies specified by the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium. A list of those competencies is available.

What is an e-portfolio?

The College of Education has established personal web space for each TEP student. In your first semester in the TEP you must take the 7S:102 Technology in the Classroom course to learn how to create web pages and upload electronic files to your web site. In each TEP course you will have assignments that you will upload to your website as evidence of fulfilling particular INTASC standards. Go to the College of Education's e-portfolio portal for complete information.

How do I apply for student teaching?

Admission to the student teaching semester requires a separate application. Applications must be submitted one year before the student teaching semester. Applicants' credentials and progress are reviewed to ensure that the student is qualified for placement in the profession. Verification that the student meets all specific program area requirements is made when the student applies for student teaching. Dr. Coffman makes the decisions about student teaching placements. He recommends that you visit with him to discuss where you would like to be placed one year before you student teach.

Students should consult their education adviser (Dr. Coffman) or the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services for more information about the admission process and requirements for student teaching in specific licensure programs.

I am (or plan to be) an Elementary Education major, not a music major. How do I obtain a music endorsement?

Students majoring in elementary education may earn an area of specialization in music by completing the approved licensure program for elementary teachers and 26 semester hours in music. Click here for the K-6 certification program.

When are TEP music education courses offered?

Students entering the Teacher Education Program are expected to enroll in the following courses during their first semester in the program (7S:096, 7S:102, 7S:190, 7S:19), which are offered every semester. Other courses offerings vary, some are only in the fall, others only in the spring. Please visit this web link for undergraduate TEP courses.

FAQs for Graduate students

I have a Bachelor degree in music. How do I become certified to teach?

Students who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree may seek "special student" (non degree) status. They must apply to the College of Education's Office of Teacher Education and Student Services. Students who already have graduate standing must apply to the UI Graduate College for "certification only" and must apply separately for admission to the teacher education program. Deadlines for application to the Graduate School are May 15, September 15, or February 15 for admission to restricted course work in the following semester. Graduate and postbaccalaureate students may submit GRE scores instead of PRAXIS I scores.

I have a Bachelor degree in music, but without certification. Can I obtain a Master of Arts in Music Education?

Students seeking an MA must obtain graduate standing through the UI Graduate College and must apply separately for admission to the teacher education program. Deadlines for application to the Graduate School are May 15, September 15, or February 15 for admission to restricted course work in the following semester. Graduate and postbaccalaureate students may submit GRE scores instead of PRAXIS I scores. More information about the MA in Music Education plus certification is available elsewhere on this website.